50 Plasma TV

Top 6 Recommended 50 Inch Plasma TVs

Below are our recommended plasma models in the 50" size for 2008/2009. These recommendations are based upon price, value, quality and feature set considerations and the accompanying editors choice designations may be assigned based on one or more of these aspects.

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Panasonic TC-P50G10     check prices
50" Plasma TV 1080p

The G10 series contains many of the top end features that will make this line one of the higher priced plasmas on the market. The line enters the market in March of 2009, making it the first new model from Panasonic to reach the market that year. New features include a 600Hz Sub-field Drive for fast processing video signals. It has the new feature "Infinite Black" that Panasonic is touting as it's new black level.

Of course there is 1080p resolution along with SD Memory card slots which allow playback from video recorders and digital camera's that are compatible with Viera Cast , Panasonic's proprietary menu system. While we give no credence to manufacturer contrast ratios, Panasonic boasts an improved native contrast on this series to 40,000:1. All this really means is that the contrast will be better than previous contrasts but we'll have to wait to review the product to report how much. After calibration to D6500 contrast figures will likely be around 400 to 500:1.

Pioneer PDP-5020HD     check prices
50" Plasma Television 1080p

The new Pioneer Kuro Plasma technology has been focused on presentation of black levels, frankly to catch up with dominant black level producer Panasonic. The blacks are rich and deep and almost the color of the black bezel. Pioneer now claims the deepest blacks, with which claim we concur. It’s hard to imagine that television picture quality can get much better than this. In 1080i and 1080p the Pioneer 5020FD performed almost flawlessly with stunning clarity, deep rich blacks, vibrant but not oversaturated colors. A post calibrated picture will seem at first softer than normal but you the viewer will enjoy the picture much more over time (and you wont get a headache from all the false edge enhancement). Some features:

• High-Definition 1080p Resolution (1920 x 1080p)
• 50" Diagonal Class / 16:9 Wide-Screen Aspect Ratio (49.85" Screen)
• New Deeper Intense Blacks for Unmatched Contrast (5x Previous Generation)
• New Thinner Cosmetic Design
• New Home Media Gallery
• Home Network Connectivity
• 4 Independent HDMI® 1.3 Inputs
• Anti-Reflective Filter
• Subwoofer Output

LG 50PS60     check prices
50" Plasma TV 1080p

The 50PS60 is a full HD 1080p plasma which features a new design that makes the appearance of the plasma more streamlined. The single-layer design is composed of 1 seamless pane of glass covering the front of the plasma panel. There are a variety of frame colors that may be selected to match home décor.

In addition THX calibration certification and THX Cinema Sound mode are also included on this model. As mentioned before, THX can drive the price of TVs up considerably.

Panasonic TH-50PZ850U     check prices
42" Plasma TV 1080p

This flagship Panasonic plasma TV is loaded with all of Panasonic's upgrades. It boasts an amazing 30,000:1 native contrast ratio. However we tested it with ANSI checkerboard pattern testing to be 560:1 post calibration. This is still one of the highest contrast ratios we've ever tested. There is a new Pro setting to fine tune contrast and brightness and a new and a new Studio Reference Picture setting which gives a movie quality effect. Rest assured the black levels are deep dark shadow detailing is excellent as it has been in the past with Panasonic plasmas. This unit is significantly brighter than previous models which will help with high brightness rooms. Some other features:

• Screen Size 50" Class (49.9" diagonal)
• Display Resolution 1080p
• Native Contrast Ratio: 30,000:1
• Dynamic Contrast Ratio: 1,000,000:1
• 900 lines or more of Moving Picture Resolution
• 5,120 Equivalent Shades of Gradation
• 4:3, Zoom, Full, Just, H-fill for TV/AV modes
• 4:3, Full for PC mode
• G11 Progressive 1080p HD Plasma Display Panel
• Screen Coating (Filter)
• New AR (Anti-Reflective) Filter

Samsung PN50B550     check prices
50" Plasma TV

Plasma is known for it's outstanding picture quality, unfortunately it is also known for it's high power usage. Samsung is claiming the new PN50B550 will use 50% less power than previous models while retaining the picture quality that plasma is known for. The B550 series plasmas are slim at only about an inch thick and boast Energy Star 3.0 compliance.

For movie night the B550 will display your films at a natural 24p and 600Hz processing should mean smooth motion all the time. We are looking forward to reviewing the PN50B550.

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